Comparison of social variables for understanding physical activity in adolescent girls

Am J Health Behav. 2004 Sep-Oct;28(5):426-36. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.28.5.5.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate social support and theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs in explaining physical activity in adolescent girls.

Methods: One thousand seven hundred ninety-seven 8th-grade girls completed a survey measuring social provisions, family support, TPB constructs, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and team sport involvement (TSI).

Results: Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated statistically significant direct effects from TPB constructs and social provisions to intention; social provisions, family support, and intention to MVPA; and social provisions and family support to TSI.

Conclusions: Social variables play a greater role in explaining TSI than in explaining MVPA in this sample.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Motor Activity*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Support*
  • Sports
  • Surveys and Questionnaires